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It is worth remembering that all outdoor sports carry some
form of risk. Bizarrely, the common or garden rambler is responsible for nearly
all Mountain Rescue call outs, whilst the climbers and pot holers and
mountaineers seem to cause little upset by comparison.
Outac
will endeavour to provide qualified and experienced people to lead trips and
activities at all times. You will not be expected to know anything technical,
like how to tie knots or use a compass. If you can, then great, let us know and
before you know it, you'll be chairman or something! At all times, however, you
need to use your common sense. If you don't feel happy or sure about anything,
don't do it. Nothing is compulsory and there are always easy ways around or
back down. Most people give up their time voluntarily to lead and supervise
Outac activities. Be nice to them! Make sure you have fun, but above all
remember, the ultimate responsibility for your safety rests with you, not us.
Some
activities may be offered where the only qualifications the leaders have is
their experience. You will be looked after, but these people cannot and will
not be ultimately responsible if you stuff up. Be careful, be safe and be
happy! Feel free to ask about peoples' qualifications and experience at any
time. We have a comprehensive safety policy, contained in our safety manual.
Anyone interested is encouraged to read it (if you've a week or too to spare.
Not that its a bit long or anything but...) You may find it comforting to know
that Outac has never had a serious incident in its 26 year existence. Few other
University clubs, who do anything similar to what we do, can claim the same.
Kit list for Winter Trips. From the Outac
Safety Officer.
Every group needs to make sure
they’re self sufficient and can look after themselves without becoming a
liability to the other groups.
This includes bringing the right
kit and knowing how to use it! It is your responsibility to tell Outac what kit
you need to borrow. If you’re not sure about a particular item, or need help
with using it, please speak to the safety officer, and they will point you to
someone who can explain.
Personal gear
Waterproof jacket and trousers –
Boots and footwear – You need proper walking boots
for this trip – trainers (even posh 'walking trainers') are not sufficient, as
they won’t provide enough ankle support. On long trips such as this it is a
good idea to put some plasters on the night before in places where you might
get blisters. This is for prevention more than anything, and even if you’ve had
your boots for a long time, walking in them for 10hrs, especially if they get
wet inside (which they will, this is
Legwear – No jeans, cotton trousers or track suits!
These get wet really easily and dry really slowly. They’re good for hot
climates as they keep the moisture in and cool you down, but on a grim day in
Upper body wear – again, no cotton t-shirts or
woolly jumpers! They will absorb your sweat and cool you down. Best are wicking
base layers (available in short and long sleeve) They ‘wick’ moisture away from
your body and keep you dry. Tiso has some on sale at the moment, and Millets
have cheap stuff, but please ask at the pub for more info. On top of your base
layer you it’s best to have a fleece, as they will help with the wicking
quality of your base layer. In
Extremity wear – Warm hat and gloves are
definitely a must. Best if they can be a bit waterproof and windproof. For
gloves, if they aren’t waterproof they’ll certainly get wet, so consider
bringing a second pair if you have. In addition, a scarf, head band or even a
balaclava are a good idea.
Sleeping bag – There are quilts on the beds but if you
want a sleeping bag, you can borrow one from Outac.
Rucksack and liner – most rucksacks aren’t
waterproof, so it’s a good idea to bring a liner to store your stuff in. If you
don’t have a liner, you can use a tough bin liner instead, or smaller
waterproof bags.
Personal first aid kit – As a minimum this should
contain some plasters and pain killers (ibuprofen is best for muscular pain),
and everyone should have one. In addition you might want a bandage and some
Compeed plasters for blisters. You can use resealable sandwich bags to keep
this stuff dry!
(Head) torch and spare batteries – It is always likely
that we may have to do some of the route in the dark. Head torches are one of
the most useful things for the outdoors, and I would encourage everyone to buy
one. Previously I have walked without a torch, and it everything takes about
three times longer, honestly! You can get them for a fiver at DIY stores and
Wilkinsons, or for 15 quid at outdoor shops. Go for the lightweight variety,
and bring spare batteries. Alpkit.com
also sell head torches for a fiver inc. delivery (and other useful stuff too).
Map, map case and compass – If you have a map and compass,
then please bring it. If you don’t,
Lunch – Bring lots for this trip. Walking in snow will make you very
hungry. You’ll get more susceptible to cold and wet if you’re hungry too. Nuts
and dried fruit are good for snacks, so are cereal and chocolate bars. Anything
carbohydrate based is good too, e.g. sandwiches, pasta, pasties, etc. It's best
to eat little and often to avoid long stops and to keep energy levels stable.
Water – Even when it’s cold and raining, you need to drink enough to
stay hydrated and keep your body going. 1 liter of water is minimum, 2 litres
recommended. A flask would be a nice
luxury – hot drinks are great for morale on cold days (maybe one flask between
a group of four or so?)
Other stuff - Whistle, watch, mobile phone (in
waterproof case, or sandwich bag), pocket knife. Take your mobile phone and
keep it switched on and fully charged. Obviously there may not be reception on
the hill, but often there is (more likely on summits than valleys). The safety
officer will compile and distribute a list of numbers so that we can get hold
of each other on the hill. If you ever need Mountain Rescue then dial 999 on
the phone. Know where you are on the map so that you can give them a
grid-reference - there are a lot of hills in
Group gear
In addition, Outac will supply
these to each group, but it is the responsibility of each group to ensure they
start the walk with these:
Radios – on Channel 7. If you’ve not used a radio before, please come
see me.
Bothy bag – this is a group shelter, and can protect
you from the elements.
Orange
survival bag
– Big plastic orange bag. Can be used to put a casualty in to protect them from
the cold, or for an emergency overnight in case you’re lost. Ideally everyone
should have their own in case they get split up from the group, and it’s orange
so the helicopter can see you!
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